Jenny Sanford files for divorce from governor

South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford filed for divorce on Friday morning from her husband, the embattled Gov. Mark Sanford (R).

After seeking for months to reconcile with her husband after he admitted having an affair with a woman from Argentina, Jenny Sanford released a statement announcing the couple's split.

"Because Mark and I are public figures, we have naturally had less privacy with which to deal with our difficulties than do other couples," Mrs. Sanford said in a statement, posted by South Carolina's The State newspaper. "Indeed, I know it will soon become known so I choose to release this brief notice that I am now filing for divorce.

"This came after many unsuccessful efforts at reconciliation, yet I am still dedicated to keeping the process that lies ahead peaceful for our family," the first lady added.

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Mrs. Sanford moved out of the governor's mansion in August in the wake of the revelations of her husband's extramarital affair, which garnered national headlines for the governor's inexplicable disappearance to Argentina.

Since then, Jenny Sanford has sought to revamp her own image, having worked on a book and having been named one of journalist Barbara Walters's most fascinating people of 2009.

Walters named Sanford one of the “most fascinating” in her special that aired Wednesday night. During what was her first TV interview since news of her husband’s affair broke, Sanford was asked if she thought the marriage could survive. “I think the hurdles are significant,” she said.

Gov. Sanford, who staked out a record as an especially aggressive fiscal conservative, had been seen as a likely candidate for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination until the news of his affair broke.

"I remain thankful to so many across this state and nation for their words of encouragement and prayers during this difficult time," Jenny Sanford said Friday. "Please know the boys and I are doing well and are blessed with the incredible support of friends and family and bolstered by our faith and the unfailing love of our God above."